RNID and Channel 4 help deaf people work in TV

Mark Thompson, Chief Executive at Channel 4, recently met unemployed deaf and hard of hearing people eager to break into the world of TV at Channel 4 and RNID's 'Media Day'.
'Media Day' was a joint initiative, designed to help ensure that more deaf and hard of hearing people find work in this fast moving area. Heavily oversubscribed, it consisted of guest speakers, both hearing and deaf, from a variety of sectors including production and post production companies, on-screen talent, and interactive media. There were representatives who had experience of working at all the major players including Channel 4, MTV, The Disney Channel, and the BBC.
Thompson said: "Deaf and hard of hearing people are an under-represented minority in the media, both on and off screen, and there is absolutely no reason why this should be the case. By highlighting the success stories of deaf and hard of hearing people already in the industry, 'Media Day' illustrated the potential for an untapped pool of talent out there."
Cheryl Cullen, Employment Manager from the RNID, added: "Currently there is a lack of awareness within the deaf and hard of hearing community about how the TV industry works, and there is prejudice from employers too. 'Media Day' went some way towards breaking down the barriers that deaf and hard of hearing people currently face, showing them the best way to get a foot in the door."
(GB)